Cats gift us with affection, warmth, and companionship throughout the year. They deserve to be included in holiday gift giving. Whether making presents for the family cat, the neighbor’s cat or shelter cats, the following projects can be shared by all the hands in the family.
Bowl of Salad Greens
A bowl of fresh wheatgrass is a favorite cat snack.
Materials: organic rye, wheat, barley or rice seed from health food store, plastic pot or bowl, potting soil
Directions:
- Fill bowl with moistened potting soil.
- Scatter seed across soil surface.
- Add a ¼ inch layer of soil over the seed.
- Place bowl on windowsill or under grow lights.
- In 10-14 days cats may begin sampling the salad greens.
Catnip Yule Log
A log-shaped catnip toy gives fits and frenzies to any cat.
Materials: colorful cotton fabric cut in 4½” x 4½” square for each log, fiberfill or cotton balls, dried catnip, needle, thread
Directions:
- Fold each fabric square lengthwise and inside out.
- Stitch a ½” hem along two side seams.
- Turn log right side out to show pattern.
- Alternately place a pinch of catnip with an inch of fiber fill until the log is full to the ½” seam at the top.
- Stitch the seam closed. The log is ready to roll!
Catnip Rolling Ornament
The rolling motion of the ball and its contents drives cats wild.
Materials: recycled clear plastic knee-high container or 1½” plastic globe ornament from craft store, colorful foil spangles, dried catnip
Directions:
- Sprinkle a tablespoon or so of catnip and an equal amount of spangles inside the plastic globe.
- Snap the ball closed. The cat will take it from there.
Feline Dream Pillow
A chamomile dream pillow placed in the cat’s bed to deter fleas can assure the entire household of pleasant dreams.
Materials: Two 5” x 5” squares of cotton fabric for each dream pillow, needle, thread, dried chamomile plant parts including crushed leaves and blossoms, fiberfill
Directions:
- Sew the two 5” x 5” fabric squares together face to face leaving a two inch open space.
- Tuck a ¾” layer of fiber fill throughout the interior of the pillow.
- Sprinkle ¼ cup of dried chamomile inside the pillow and shake to distribute.
- Sew the seam closed.
- Place pillows in cat’s favorite napping spots.
Kitty Wreath Collar
A cat looks like a holiday decoration or confection in this soft green collar.
Materials: 9” x 12” green felt square, scissors, and nontoxic markers (optional)
Directions:
- Outline a circular wreath collar on paper. Cut out pattern.
- Trace the pattern onto the felt square and cut out with scissors.
- Cut a straight slip in the center of the wreath to accommodate the cat’s head and neck.
- Children may want to decorate the felt wreath using markers.
- To avoid mishaps with the collar, use collar on cat only when adult is home to supervise.
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